PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
** TOP STORY
January 15, 2015
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Prayer for Peace
** A Time for Prayer
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The New Year is only two weeks old-yet it has already been disfigured
by acts of violence that are deeply troubling to peace-loving
people. These include the grotesque massacre in Paris, France, and
reports of a horrific crime in Gyumri, Armenia. Threading through the
period is the ongoing tragedy involving warfare and persecution in the
Middle East=80’which affects our own people, our sister Christian
communities, and other religious minorities in the region.
For Armenians, 2015 arrived with its own sorrowful associations: of
innocent lives lost, suffering endured, and justice denied. How
dispiriting it is, at the dawn of this 100th year since the Armenian
Genocide, to be reminded so soon that inhumanity still reigns in this
world, despite the superficial advances of the past century.
There are very few words of wisdom or consolation to offer in the face
of such dreadful episodes-except for the assurance that our risen Lord
knows the sufferings of his children, and will remember them when he
establishes his kingdom, where true peace and justice will finally
prevail.
It is to him we pray-today and in the days to come-for the souls of
the departed, and for an end to the afflictions tormenting our
world. In the immortal words of our liturgy: Ungal, getso, yev
voghormya; Receive our prayers, save your people, and have mercy.
** Scripture of the Week
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Is 54:1-13
1 Tm 1:1-11
Jn 2:1-11
** Prayer of the Week
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You created the visible light, separated the day and night, shed forth
on us, O Lord, by night the rays of spiritual light. Give us at all
times the shadow of your protecting hand, that by day and by night we
may give you glory incessantly. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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15 January: Feast of the birth of St. John the Forerunner
19 January: St. Antony the Hermit
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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New Genocide Monument in CA
A detail of the Armenian Genocide memorial consecrated at St. Leon
Cathedral in Burbank.
** Western Diocese Unveils New Memorial
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On Tuesday, January 13, our sister diocese in California dedicated a
new Armenian Genocide monument on the grounds of St. Leon Armenian
Cathedral in Burbank.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and his
predecessor as Primate, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, consecrated the
monument with Holy Muron.
Created by artist Gaspar Gharibian, the monument consists of a broken
khatchkar, from which rise up two bronze leaves bearing the
inscription `1915′ and a bird carrying a bell. The piece is situated
on a granite cross-shaped platform. The monument is meant to symbolize
both the sufferings of the Genocide and the persistence of the
Armenian people in the aftermath of the cataclysm.
Tuesday’s dedication was the first in a series of programs and events
planned in the Western Diocese as part of the 100th year of
remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Click on the following links to
visit the Western Diocese’s website
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and to view photos
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** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Hovnanian School
Students at the Hovnanian School welcome Archbishop Barsamian.
** Primate Visits Schools, Homes for the Aged
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Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited local Armenian
schools and homes for the elderly this month. These included the Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, NY, and the New York Armenian
Home in Flushing, NY, on Thursday, January 8; and the Hovnanian School
in New Milford, NJ, and the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
in Emerson, NJ, on Tuesday, January 13.
As part of each visit, the Primate officiated over the Home Blessing
service, which is traditionally performed at the start of the new
year. At the Holy Martyrs and Hovnanian schools, students sang
Armenian songs and recited poems. They also had a chance to learn more
about the Home Blessing service and to ask Archbishop Barsamian
questions about the Armenian Church. At the New York Armenian Home and
the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, residents spoke with
the Primate and received his blessing.
Accompanying Archbishop Barsamian to the Holy Martyrs Day School and
the New York Armenian Home were the Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan,
Dn. Krikor Ghazarian, Dn. Ivan Gyadayan, Dn. Narek Garabedian, and
Dn. Aram Kaberjian.
Accompanying Archbishop Barsamian to the Hovnanian School and the
Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were the Rev. Fr. Diran
Bohajian, Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan, Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian,
Dn. Hacik Sariminasyan, Dn. Saro Kalayjian, and Dn. Aram Kaberjian.
Click on the following links to view photos from the visits to the
Armenian schools
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and homes for the aged
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Armenian Genocide Cintennial
** Resources for the Genocide Centennial
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With the 100th year of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide advancing
rapidly, the Eastern Diocese has created a special section on its
website for downloadable resources. Parishes, community groups, and
anyone else can obtain materials to help them inform local press and
reach out to their surrounding communities. This week, downloadable
display banners and some video links were added to the offerings-these
can be accessed by clicking here
()
.
We encourage our parishes to let us know as early as possible about
their local observances, so these can be added to our online Calendar
of Events.
In the meantime, the Armenian-American community is building towards a
national observance in Washington, DC, in May 2015. Special events are
scheduled for May 7 to 9-including an ecumenical prayer service at the
National Cathedral, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert,
and an awards banquet honoring those who helped the survivors. His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House
of Cilicia, both will journey to the United States to lead the
Washington commemoration. They will be joined by Armenians from across
the U.S., under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, and
the Eastern and Western Prelacies. Click here
()
to learn more about the May events in the nation’s capital.
The Eastern Diocese’s Annual Diocesan Assembly and Clergy Conference
will convene in Washington that same week; details on the 2015
Assembly will be forthcoming.
People in the New York metro region should also reserve the dates of
April 24, 25, and 26 for commemoration events in New York City. These
will include liturgical celebrations and the annual Times Square
program sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, has appointed George
and Lorraine Marootian as Diocesan liaisons to the Genocide
commemorative committees. They will be working with established
committees at the national, regional, and local levels, and have begun
reaching out to our parish communities. Contact them via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Diocesan Council Meets in NYC
George Marootian (center) speaks about upcoming Armenian Genocide
commemorations.
** Diocesan Council Holds First Meeting of 2015
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On Wednesday, January 14, the Diocesan Council held its first meeting
of 2015 at the Diocesan Center in New York. Agenda items included a
discussion of the 2014 Annual Appeal, the upcoming 113th Diocesan
Assembly, and the programs being organized for the commemoration of
the 100th year of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.
George and Lorraine Marootian, who have been appointed as Diocesan
liaisons to the Genocide commemorative committees, spoke about their
plans to work with established committees at the national, regional,
and local levels. (For information on Genocide commemoration events
and resources, see the item above.)
Council members also continued work on further developing the Diocesan
Strategic Plan and reviewed activities planned by the newly
established St. Vartan Cathedral Community in New York.
FAR
** “Ayo!” Delivers Braille Printers to School in Armenia
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The Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Ayo!’ team recently delivered two new
Braille printers to Special School No. 14 in Yerevan. The new printers
will make it possible for close to 100 visually impaired students at
the school to receive updated educational materials. Click here
()
to read more on FAR’s blog.
`Ayo!’ is the crowdfunding initiative of the Fund for Armenian Relief,
sponsored by the Batmasian Family Foundation. For more information,
visit
()
.
Annual Appeal
** Diocese’s 2014 Annual Appeal Coming to a Close
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The Eastern Diocese is nearing the end of its 2014 Annual Appeal. To
those who have given, we are deeply grateful for your support of the
creative, educational, and inspirational programs that lift up
Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.
There is still time to make a donation before the Appeal comes to a
close. Follow this link to donate now
()
to the Annual Appeal-the only Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each
year to help the Diocese undertake the many ministries, programs, and
resources that enrich life in our parishes.
Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your
thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.
** PARISH NEWS
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St. John Church, Greenfield, WI
Archbishop Barsamian blesses John and Lynn Kaishian, recipients of the
`St. Nerses Shnorhali’ medal.
** Two Parishioners Honored in Greenfield
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On Sunday, January 11, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
visited St. John the Baptist Church of Greenfield, WI, where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the Blessing of the Water
service. He was assisted on the altar by the Rev. Fr. Nareg Keutelian,
parish pastor.
Following services, Archbishop Barsamian presented the `St. Nerses
Shnorhali’ medal and encyclical, issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, to longtime
parishioners John and Lynn Kaishian. Fr. Keutelian read the encyclical
aloud to the congregation.
Dirahayr John and Diramayr Lynn are the parents of the Rev. Fr. Sahak
Kaishian. Among their many contributions to the community is the
construction of the church’s cultural hall in the 1970s. They are also
godfathers of the present church building in Greenfield, and provided
the property that housed the Midwest Hye Camp for three decades.
A Christmas luncheon followed later that afternoon. More than 100
people were in attendance. Click here
()
to view photos.
** Christmas Across Our Parishes
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In our December 24 newsletter, we invited parishes to submit photos of
their local Armenian Christmas observances. Parishes celebrated the
Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ on
January 5 and 6, with some performing the Blessing of Water Service on
Sunday, January 11.
Click here
()
to view a gallery of images from the beautiful parish celebrations
this year.
Armenian Church in Austin, TX.
Sarkis Petrosyan with parishioners following his concert in Austin,
TX.
** Austin Parish Hosts Santour Artist
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The mission parish of Austin, TX, organized a concert featuring the
artist Sarkis Petrosyan on Sunday, January 11. A native of Armenia,
Mr. Petrosyan is an accomplished santour player, whose concert program
featured modern, classical, and Armenian folk music, including pieces
by Sayat Nova and Komitas.
Santour is a stringed instrument similar to the hammered dulcimer. It
is typically played with two mallets. Click here
()
to view photos from this month’s concert.
Yerevan Choral Concert
Archbishop Nourhan Manougian delivers remarks at the concert in
Cambridge.
** “Christmas Holiday Concert” in Cambridge
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Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, hosted a “Christmas Holiday
Concert” performed by the Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra on
Sunday, December 14.
The concert went forward under the leadership of Konstantin
Petrossian, director of the Erevan Choral Society. This year’s program
commemorated the 145th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas and the
100th anniversary of composer Aram Satunts.
Remarks were made by the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, pastor of Holy
Trinity Church, and His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the
Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Click here
()
to read more.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host a screening of the film
`Tevanik’ on Thursday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m. The film, set during
the Nagorno-Karabagh War, is in Armenian with English
subtitles. Admission is free. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
On Friday, January 23, St. Leon Church will host a presentation by
Vahé Tachjian, Ph.D., on the `Houshamadyan Project,’ an attempt to
reconstruct Ottoman Armenian life through archival documents,
photographs, and other materials. The talk will begin at 7:45
p.m. Admission is free. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
Armenian Church of Rochester | Rochester, NY
The mission parish of Rochester, NY, will gather for the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Water service on Sunday, January
18. Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the
Incarnation (at the intersection of Five Mile Line and Whalen Road in
Penfield, NY). The Rev. Fr. Tatev Terteryan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy, with Dn. Ivan Gyadayan assisting. For information, call (585)
381-0195 or (585) 377-5013.
St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ
The Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest New Jersey, in
collaboration with St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, is hosting an
exhibit in commemoration of the 100th year of remembrance of the
Armenian Genocide. The exhibit will open on Monday, January 26, with
the screening of a film about the Armenian Genocide. It will run
through April 30. Click here
()
for information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA Chapter Workshop
ACYOA members make sandwiches for a local Florida shelter.
** ACYOA Seniors Gather for Chapter Workshop
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More than 35 young adults from 11 parishes across the Eastern Diocese
gathered in St. Petersburg, FL, last weekend for the annual ACYOA
Seniors Chapter Workshop. The weekend of reflection, worship,
leadership building, and fellowship was led and organized by the ACYOA
Central Council. Participants also took part in an outreach project in
which they made more than 200 sandwiches for a local shelter.
St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL, hosted the workshop, with the
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demirjian, parish pastor, serving as the weekend’s
chaplain. The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, and
Lorie Odabashian, the Diocese’s coordinator of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries, were present throughout the weekend.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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** EVENTS
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Explore the Bible
** Explore the Bible: A Discussion Series at the Cathedral
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St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will continue its monthly series of
interactive discussions on the Armenian Church’s approach to the
Gospel of Matthew. Readings from Matthew will be followed by a
dialogue about how Armenians have traditionally read and studied these
passages. The discussion will be supplemented by images, hymns, and
the writings of Armenian Church fathers.
Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 to 9, on the
following dates: January 20, February 24, March 24, and April 14. They
will be led by Eric Vozzy of Eastern Diocese’s Christian Education
department. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, click here to view a flyer
()
, or contact Eric Vozzy at (212) 686-0710, ext. 165, or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . Learn
more by following #ExploreTheBible on social media.
Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral
** An Evening at the Opera
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St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host `An Evening at the Opera’ on
Friday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a program featuring Armenian and Western opera music, performed
by internationally-acclaimed artists Narine Ojakhyan and Yeghishe
Manucharyan. Lusine Badalyan will accompany on the piano.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information. St. Vartan Cathedral is
located at 630 Second Avenue (at 34th Street) in Manhattan.
Farah Siraj
Jordanian fusion artist Farah Siraj will perform during the dinner and
music program on February 14.
** Artist Farah Siraj to Perform at Diocesan Center
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The recently formed St. Vartan Cathedral Community of New York City is
hosting an exciting and innovative evening of dinner and music
featuring talented Jordanian fusion artist Farah Siraj, on Saturday,
February 14.
Join them in celebrating Poon Paregentan-the Armenian `Mardi Gras`-and
Valentine’s Day, from 7 to 11 p.m. in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium (Second Avenue at 35th Street). Tickets are $50. Click here
()
to purchase tickets.
Zohrab Information Center
** Zohrab Center Announces Spring Schedule
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The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will open its
spring season of lectures on Thursday, February 5, with a talk by
Dr. Vartan Matiossian titled `Code Name Haiko: Discovering the Last
Unknown Participants in Talaat Pasha’s Liquidation.’ The event will be
held at the Diocesan Center in New York, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission
is free.
Other Zohrab Center events planned for the spring include talks on
Armenian art, a guide to the Armenian Church’s Holy Week ceremonies,
and various book presentations. Click here
()
to visit the Zohrab Center blog for a complete schedule.
From: A. Papazian